How to Hire a Tailor in Canada

4. Job Interview

Once resume screening is complete, we schedule interviews with the most suitable candidates to gather more information on their skills, experience, and fit for the role.

Our interviewing process consists of two phases. The first phase is related to general questions, while in the second phase, we seek to ask more technical questions from the tailoring candidates.

General Questions:

• Can you tell me about your experience working as a tailor? What types of garments have you worked on?
• What motivated you to pursue a career in tailoring? What do you enjoy most about this profession?
• How do you ensure excellent customer service when working with clients? Can you share an example of a challenging customer situation and how you handled it?
• How do you manage your time and prioritize tasks when working on multiple projects with tight deadlines?
• Can you describe a situation where you had to collaborate with others, such as designers or colleagues, to complete a tailoring project? How did you contribute to the team’s success?
• What steps do you take to stay updated on current fashion trends, styles, and techniques in the tailoring industry?
• How do you handle constructive criticism or feedback on your work? Can you provide an example of when you received feedback and how you implemented it to improve your skills?

Technical Questions:

• What tailoring techniques are you most proficient in? Can you provide examples of garments you have constructed using these techniques?
• How do you approach garment alterations and fittings to ensure the best possible fit for the client?
• Can you explain the pattern-making process and how you ensure accuracy in creating garment patterns?
• What types of fabrics and materials have you worked with? Are there any specific challenges or considerations when working with certain fabrics?
• How do you handle intricate designs or details on garments? Can you describe a project where you had to pay particular attention to small or delicate elements?
• Have you ever encountered a situation where you had to troubleshoot and find a creative solution to a tailoring problem? How did you approach it?
• What are some quality control measures you take to ensure the garments you work on meet high standards?

5. Checking References

When recruiting a tailor, we must verify their references to ensure they possess the necessary skills and experience to perform the tailoring job proficiently. Additionally, by contacting references, we can gain valuable insights into their personal qualities and soft skills, including their ability to understand the customers’ needs and communicate effectively with them during work.  

Here are some points we consider while reference checking before hiring a tailor in Canada:

• Work performance: We inquire about the tailoring candidate’s work performance during their previous employment. We ask the references to evaluate the tailor’s skill level, attention to detail, and ability to meet deadlines.
• Customer service: We assess the tailor’s customer service skills by asking the references about their interactions with clients. We inquire about the tailor’s ability to understand customer needs, provide suggestions, and deliver a positive customer experience.
• Reliability and punctuality: We ask the references about the tailor’s reliability and punctuality in delivering the finished garments, such as “Did they consistently show up on time for work?” “Were they dependable in completing tasks and meeting job requirements?”
• Adaptability and flexibility: We inquire about the tailor’s ability to adapt to different garment styles, fabrics, and client preferences. We assess their flexibility in handling customizations, alterations based on specific customer requests, and their creativity in enhancing the design of a garment.
• Collaboration and teamwork: If the tailor is supposed to be part of a larger team in your organization, we ask the references about their ability to work collaboratively with colleagues, such as designers or garment technicians. We assess their communication skills and ability to contribute positively to a team environment. This is because, in larger tailoring operations or workshops, tailors may need to work together as a team to handle high volumes of orders or assist each other with complex projects.
• Professionalism and work ethic: We request the references to comment on the tailor’s professionalism, work ethic, and overall attitude, for instance, “Did they demonstrate a strong commitment to their craft?” “Were they respectful and cooperative in their interactions with others?”
• Problem-solving skills: We inquire about instances where the tailor faced challenges or obstacles during their previous employment. We assess their problem-solving skills and ability to find creative solutions to garment-related issues or alterations.
• Overall recommendation: Finally, we ask the references whether they would recommend the tailor for a similar position. This can provide us with a general sense of their satisfaction with the tailor’s performance.
• Documenting and reporting the results: We finally document the information mentioned above, exclusively for your access.

6. Assessing the Tailoring Candidates

Assessing tailoring candidates before hiring them is a crucial step in the hiring process to ensure that we select a skilled, reliable, and professional tailor who can meet your specific needs and expectations.

Here are some key areas we evaluate when hiring tailoring candidates:

• Knowledge of current fashion trends: We assess candidates’ awareness of current fashion trends and their ability to incorporate them into their work. We need to vet tailors who stay updated on industry developments and can adapt their designs accordingly can add a novel touch to the customers’ offerings.
• Knowledge of tailoring skills and equipment: We assess the applicants’ tailoring skills and their knowledge of tailoring equipment. A good tailor should be proficient in various sewing methods and have access to modern equipment to ensure quality results.
• Time management: Tailoring projects often have specific timelines, and it is crucial to ensure candidates can deliver quality work within the given timeframe. To this end, we time them and watch them produce the piece. When they are done, we observe and review the work. We observe them based on the design interpretation and check whether they have been able to explain the given design very well.
• Creativity: We ensure candidates demonstrate a creative flair in their work. They should be able to think outside the box, experiment with new designs, and offer innovative solutions to meet client needs. We consider candidates who can bring a fresh aesthetic to your business.
• Attention to detail: Precision and attention to detail are essential qualities in a tailor. We assess candidates’ ability to work with intricate designs, handle delicate fabrics, and ensure precise measurements and fittings.
• Communication and listening skills: Effective communication is crucial in tailoring. That is why we assess their attentive listening skills, as they have to understand your preferences and be able to provide suggestions or advice when needed. Clear communication will help ensure that your expectations are met.
• Work environment and cleanliness: We assess the tailor’s cleanliness in their work environment. A clean and organized work environment reflects professionalism and attention to detail, which are qualities you would want in a tailor.
• Entrepreneurial mindset: We also test candidates on showing an entrepreneurial spirit and an interest in pushing boundaries within the tailoring industry. They may have innovative ideas for customizations, personalization options, or new services that can set your business apart from competitors.
• Professionalism and customer service: We assess the tailor’s professionalism during interactions. They should be punctual, respectful, and attentive to our needs. This is because a positive and customer-centric approach indicates a reliable professional.

7. Training the Tailors

Once candidates successfully pass our assessments, they may move on to the training step, where they can receive more hands-on experience tailored to the specific needs of your business. By providing ongoing training, we aim to foster a culture of continuous learning and development among the tailoring candidates.

Our trainers at Hookjobs train the tailoring candidates, focusing on the following techniques:

• Garment construction: Our trainers guide candidates through the construction process of various garments, from simple designs to complex pieces. They teach the most novel garment assembly, fitting techniques, and incorporating design elements.
• Fashion industry updates: The tailoring filed is constantly evolving, with new fabrics, trends, and technologies emerging. Our trainers stay updated with industry developments and share this knowledge with the tailoring candidates through regular training sessions. This ensures that candidates are equipped with the latest information and techniques to deliver modern and fashionable garments to your business.
• Garment care and maintenance: Our trainers emphasize the significance of garment care and maintenance. Candidates learn about fabric care instructions, handling delicate fabrics, and providing customers with proper care guidelines for their garments.
• Customer service: Alongside technical skills, our trainers emphasize the importance of excellent customer service. Candidates are trained to communicate effectively, listen to customer needs, and provide a positive and professional experience.
• Tailoring business and entrepreneurship skills: Tailoring candidates also receive training in essential business and entrepreneurship skills. This includes customer relations, pricing and financial management, marketing and promotion, and general business operations. These skills help candidates not only excel in their craft but also thrive as independent tailors or within a business setting.
• Feedback and performance evaluation: Our trainers regularly provide feedback and conduct performance evaluations to assess candidates’ progress and identify areas where further training is needed. This feedback loop ensures continuous improvement and enables candidates to effectively address shortcomings.

8. Drawing up a Contract

The last step in our hiring process is drawing up a contract with the tailoring candidates.

When drawing up a contract with tailoring candidates in Canada, it is crucial to include several necessary steps to ensure clarity, protect both parties’ interests, and establish a mutually beneficial working relationship.

Here are some critical steps to consider when creating the contract:

• Tailoring job description and responsibilities: We outline the specific job duties, responsibilities, and expectations of the tailoring candidate, including details about the type of tailoring work they will be performing, any specialized skills required, and the level of performance expected.
• Compensation and benefits: We clearly specify the compensation structure, including wage or salary, payment frequency, and any additional benefits or perks provided for the tailor. We also outline any applicable deductions, such as taxes or insurance premiums, and provide details on how and when payment will be made.
• Working hours and schedule: We specify the expected working hours, including regular workdays, start and end times, and any provisions for overtime or flexible scheduling. We also clarify whether the position is full-time, part-time, or contractual and provide any applicable information about breaks or time off.
• Quality standards: We establish the expected quality standards for the completed garments in your company. We outline any specific requirements for measurements, stitching techniques, materials, or finishing details. This ensures that the tailor understands the level of quality expected by your company.
• Duration and termination: We define the duration of the contract, whether it is a fixed-term agreement or an open-ended arrangement. We outline the conditions under which the contract can be terminated by either party, including notice periods and any contractual obligations upon termination.
• Confidentiality and ownership: We include a confidentiality clause to protect any sensitive information shared during the project, such as designs, measurements, or proprietary details. We specify that the tailor must keep all information confidential and ensure that your company retains ownership of any designs or intellectual property.
• Intellectual Property Rights: We clarify ownership and usage rights of any intellectual property created by the candidate during their employment. We specify whether the organization retains exclusive rights to designs, patterns, or other creative work produced during their tenure.
• Non-competition and non-solicitation: We also make sure to include clauses that restrict the candidate from competing directly with the organization or soliciting its clients or employees for a specified period of time, both during and after the employment relationship.
• Dispute resolution: We outline the process for resolving any disputes or conflicts that may arise during the employment term. This may involve specifying the use of mediation, arbitration, or legal proceedings according to Canadian labour laws.
• Governing law and jurisdiction: We clearly state the governing law that applies to the contract and specify the jurisdiction in which any legal disputes will be resolved.
• Having the candidate sign the contract: After drafting the contract, we have the tailoring candidate carefully review and sign it to indicate their agreement to the terms and conditions.

Labour Laws and Regulations for Hiring a Tailor in Canada

After hiring a tailor in Canada, there are several legal requirements that you should fulfill to ensure compliance with labour laws and protect the rights of both parties (i.e., you and your employees).

Here are some key legal requirements to consider:

• Work authorization: Confirm that the tailor is legally authorized to work in Canada, either as a Canadian citizen, permanent resident, or through a valid work permit.
• Employment standards: Familiarize yourself with the employment standards legislation specific to your province or territory. This legislation sets out minimum standards for areas such as wages, working hours, overtime, vacation entitlements, and statutory holidays. Ensure that you adhere to these standards and provide the tailor with all the entitlements and benefits they are entitled to under the law.
• Employment standards for piece-rate work: In some cases, tailors may be paid based on a piece-rate system, where their compensation is tied to the number of garments produced or altered. Ensure compliance with employment standards laws, including minimum wage requirements, for such piece-rate work.
• Payroll and taxes: Register with the appropriate government authorities to fulfill payroll and tax obligations. Obtain a business number and register for payroll deductions to remit income tax, Canada Pension Plan (CPP) contributions, and Employment Insurance (EI) premiums on behalf of the tailor. Keep accurate records of earnings, deductions, and remittances to ensure compliance with tax regulations.
• Working conditions and safety measures: Tailoring may involve exposure to various workplace hazards, such as sharp objects, sewing machines, and chemicals. Implement appropriate safety measures, provide necessary personal protective equipment (PPE), and ensure that the tailor receives proper training to minimize the risk of accidents or injuries.
• Employment insurance and CPP contributions: Deduct and remit the required EI premiums and CPP contributions from the tailor’s wages as per the current rates set by the government. Report and remit these contributions to the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) on time.
• Vacation and leaves: Familiarize yourself with the entitlements for vacation, sick leave, and other statutory leaves under the applicable employment standards legislation. Ensure that the tailor is aware of their rights, and provide the necessary time off as required by law.
• Privacy and confidentiality: Respect the tailor’s privacy rights and comply with privacy laws. Safeguard any personal information collected from the tailor and use it only for legitimate business purposes. If necessary, establish confidentiality agreements to protect sensitive company information or trade secrets.
• Employment insurance coverage: Determine whether the tailor is eligible for employment insurance (EI) coverage. Some self-employed tailors may not be eligible for EI benefits, while others may be classified as employees and qualify for coverage. Verify the status with the CRA or consult a legal professional if unsure.
• Record-keeping: Maintain accurate and up-to-date records of the tailor’s employment, including employment contracts, payroll records, time and attendance records, and any documentation related to leaves, deductions, or employment-related incidents. Keep these records for the required period as mandated by employment standards or tax authorities.
• Compliance with human rights and Anti-Discrimination Laws: Ensure that your employment practices comply with federal and provincial human rights legislation. Prohibit discrimination based on protected characteristics such as race, gender, age, disability, or religion. Accommodate any reasonable requests for workplace accommodations related to protected grounds.

What is the Average Wage for Hiring a Tailor in Canada?

According to the Government of Canada’s Job Bank, the average wage for tailors and dressmakers in Canada is approximately CAD $16 to $25 per hour, as of the most recent data available. This wage range represents the median wages for this occupation across the country.

The average wage for hiring a tailor varies from province to province in Canada.

Here’s a table showing the average wages for hiring a tailor in different provinces in Canada:

What are the Different Types of Tailors we Hire in Canada

The type of tailor you choose to hire would depend on your specific needs, whether it’s creating a custom garment, altering a ready-to-wear item, or fulfilling a specialized design requirement.

In Canada, there are various types of tailors who specialize in different areas of garment construction and alteration.

Here are some common types of tailors you may find in Canada: